aocain,
Your plant is a Sansevieria trifasciata Laurentii. Who knows why they bloom. Mine bloomed about every other year and in winter while in the house. Out of a whole bunch, maybe one flower stock. I would have to say the right conditions for them to bloom. And I don't know what they are. Perhaps purpleinopp = Tiffany can help you out here. She grows hers out side in the ground and has a great deal of success.
Stush
